Finding Aid to the Rocky Mountain Steve Papers 98.198

Sharon Johnson & Cheryl Miller
Library and Archives at the Autry
1998
210 South Victory Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
rroom@theautry.org


Contributing Institution: Library and Archives at the Autry
Title: Rocky Mountain Steve Papers
Identifier/Call Number: 98.198
Physical Description: 23 items
Date (inclusive): 1890-1920
Abstract: Collection relating to the life of cowboy and sharpshooter Stephen Hicks, also known as "Rocky Mountain Steve."
Language of Material: English .

Conditions Governing Access

Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives  and fill out the Researcher Application Form.

Biographical Note

Steven Hicks, or "Rocky Mountain Steve," was born in Blountville, Tennessee in 1870. His early family life was poor, and so he left home at the age of 11. He traveled to Texas, where he learned bronco busting and sharp shooting on a large cattle ranch. At age 21, he left Texas and traveled throughout the West and South, giving sharp shooting exhibitions. He finally settled in Dallas, where he created a roping, riding and sharp shooting show that drew large audiences. He often performed with his young son, William. Hicks was good friends with Geronimo and his daughter Eva; he also occasionally participated in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and Miller's 101 Ranch shows. He acquired his name after spending time bronco busting in the Rocky Mountains in Mexico.

Preferred Citation

Rocky Mountain Steve Papers, 1890-1920, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles; 98.198; [item number] [date].

Scope and Contents

Collection of photographs, one program and book relating to the life of cowboy and sharpshooter Stephen Hicks, also known as "Rocky Mountain Steve." Studio portraits show Hicks and/or his young son Willie posing with rifles used in their sharp shooting act. Other photographs are of 101 Ranch Wild West Show performers, including Joe Miller, Zach Miller, Tom Mix, Indians from Holdenville in the Indian Territory, and Pawnee Bill and his wife May Lillie. Also included in the collection is a program for Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show, and a pamphlet entitled "Life and adventure of Rocky Mountain Steve" with a sketch of his life, poetry, and recipes for treating various animal ailments.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Miller Bros. and Arlington 101 Ranch Real Wide West Show
Wild west shows
Shooters of firearms--West (U.S.)
Indians of North America--West (U.S.)--Pictorial works
Photographs
Programs

box 500796, item 98.198.8

Group portrait with Rocky Mountain Steve 98.198.8 circa 1910

box 500796, item 98.198.12

Portrait of Willie Hicks 98.198.12

Language of Material: English.
box 500796, item 98.198.13

Portrait of Rocky Mountain Steve and his son, Willie 98.198.13

Language of Material: English.
box 500796, item 98.198.14

Portrait of Rocky Mountain Steve 98.198.14

Language of Material: English.
box 500686, item 98.198.15

Rocky Mountain Steve at a shooting exhibition in Livingston, Texas 98.198.15 circa 1919

Language of Material: English.
box 500686, item 98.198.16

Portrait of Willie Hicks, age 6 98.198.16 circa 1910

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.17

"Steve Hicks or Rocky Mountain Steve" 98.198.17

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.18

Portrait of Rocky Mountain Steve and his two-year-old son, Wiliam 98.198.18

Language of Material: English.
box 500686, item 98.198.19

Portraits of Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill 98.198.19

Language of Material: English.
item 98.198.20

Portrait of Tom Mix and Zach Miller at 101 Ranch 98.198.20

Physical Description: 1 Photographic Print
Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.21

Portrait of Joe Miller and three 101 Performers 98.198.21

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.22

Portrait of May Lillie and Pawnee Bill 98.198.22

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.23

Portrait of Eva, Geronimo's daughter 98.198.23

Language of Material: English.
box 500686, item 98.198.24

Portrait of Unidentified Couple in Holdenville, Indian Territory 98.198.24

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.25

Portrait of W. A. Goat family 98.198.25

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.26

Portrait of unidentified man 98.198.26

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.27

Portrait of three unidentified people 98.198.27

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.28

Portrait of two unidentified people 98.198.28

Language of Material: English.
box 500829, item 98.198.29

Portrait of unidentified man, postcard 98.198.29

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.30

Portrait of two unidentified men 98.198.30

Language of Material: English.
box 500749, item 98.198.31

Portrait of Thomas Charles 98.198.31

Language of Material: English.
box 500692, item 98.198.32

Rocky Mountain Steve's History booklet 98.198.32 circa 1910

Language of Material: English.
box 500316, item 98.198.33

Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Real Wild West & Great Far East, magazine 98.198.33 1926

Language of Material: English.